Pinellas County Schools this week began testing AI-powered weapons detection systems at two high schools as part of a pilot program that could eventually expand district-wide.

The systems were launched on Tuesday at Gibbs High School and Palm Harbor University High School. The technology, similar to what is used at stadiums and some retail stores, scans students as they walk onto campus.

Sean Jowell, the district’s director of School Safety and Security, described the process as non-intrusive. Students are asked to remove three-ring binders, eyeglasses, umbrellas, and laptops from their bags before passing through. If a system alerts, administrators will conduct a bag check or search of the student and their belongings.

Jowell said staff underwent extensive training ahead of the rollout and acknowledged there may be an adjustment period. He said he is confident the process will become more efficient after the first few days as students and staff get used to the routine.

Before moving forward, district officials consulted with school leaders in Manatee and Sarasota counties, where similar systems are already in use.

The pilot will run through the end of the school year, after which school board members will decide whether to expand the weapons detection systems to other campuses.

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